Zimmer Industries has manufactured steel rule for well over 100 years. Specializing in rules that perforate, cut or crease, Zimmer has created many innovations, several of which have excellent application to the packaging industry. This document will describe some of those packaging applications that Zimmer technology makes possible. Long recognized as the world’s premier producer of conventional and special perforating rules for varied applications, Zimmer microperforating rules have vast potential for use in the packaging arena. As the name implies, this type of rule has very small teeth (producing the cut areas) and spaces (producing the uncut areas between the teeth). A few of the more popular microperf patterns include: 30, 40, 50 60 and 70 TPI (Teeth per inch). The most standard spacing we provide is a .007” space. Another standard is .010”- often used when more (burst) strength is required. Strengths can range from a low of about 15% “hold,” (85% of the material being cut) to a high of about 65% “hold” (35% of the material being cut). very user friendly, easy tearing. Additionally, when torn, the microperf produces a very clean edge- in both appearance and feel. This is especially beneficial in applications that appreciate or demand a clean, smooth edge- such as pharmaceutical and or cosmetic applications to name just two. In some applications, it is possible for Zimmer technology to provide an “oxygen barrier” microperforation. By this, we mean a perforation that does not allow air, moisture, or foreign materials to pass through the perforation into the interior of the package. For further information on this specific application, contact Greg Zimmer. Another interesting and beneficial feature of microperforating can be achieved by placing two parallel lines of the appropriate Zimmer microperf approximately 3/16-1/4” apart. Properly done, this can create a “tear strip” (made from the packaging material itself-not a separate tear strip) that can be used to effectively open the package. This “feature” could be incorporated on a myriad of different packages for improved opening and convenience. For “standard” steel rule diecutting of packaging materials, Zimmer has created a patented cutting rule called MicroNik. Nicks have long been a necessary evil of diecutting, creating a “hold” or a control of the sheet that prevents the diecut material from going “out of control”. The problem is that conventional nicks that are strong enough to adequately “hold” the material in place, are usually objectionable in both appearance and feel. MicroNik provides nicks that are only .007’ wide and again, properly employed, this rule allows the press to run faster, while producing a finished product that appears not to have been nicked at all. This rule has been in use for years around the world, but has not yet begun to realize its full potential in the packaging field. Again, MicroNik would be especially beneficial in applications such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, calling for an improved edge in relation to both feel and appearance. Another cutting tool Zimmer provides is called QC100. This is a serrated blade that can be used to cut paper, plastic films, various foams and assorted laminates. This super sharp rule cuts through difficult films with minimal stretch and distortion. It cuts foams “straighter” and with less compression and pressure than all conventional diecutting rules. Creasing or scoring of packaging materials has been done pretty much the same way for many, many years. Another Zimmer creation is changing that fact. MicroTrak is a crease rule that has an “undulating” or corrugated face. These undulations can reduce cracking, improve folding and improve sheet control in standard folding carton materials. In corrugated applications, this rule again reduces cracking and dramatically improves sheet control, especially in the machine direction. On plastics, this rule produces a more effective folding and has been used as a “decorative” crease too. All the rules described above have great potential in the field of packaging. We welcome your inquiries as to how we may assist you in reaping the benefits of these innovative products. For further information contact Greg Zimmer or John White at 1-800-225-0108. |
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